Newcastle Christmas Lights: A Sustainable, Star-Themed Scheme for Newcastle City Council
Since 2023, Blachere Illumination UK has designed, installed and maintained the Newcastle Christmas lights for Newcastle City Council. The scheme covers ten key locations, from the Quayside to Northumberland Street and the Civic Centre. Linked by a shared star theme, it gives the city centre a single festive identity that works by day as well as by night.
The Challenge
Newcastle City Council wanted a festive lighting scheme that would draw people into the city centre, attract media coverage and encourage visitors to share photos on social media. It needed to cover ten key streets and spaces and have real impact in daylight as well as after dark. The design also had to sit comfortably alongside the classical architecture of Grainger Town.
The Council wanted the display to stay fresh across a four-year agreement rather than repeat the same scheme each Christmas. It also asked for strong sustainability credentials and good long-term value. Blachere was appointed to deliver the full service: supply, storage, installation and removal, access equipment and maintenance throughout the contract.
Our Solution
Animated motifs across ten city-centre locations
Blachere UK designed a cohesive, star-themed scheme, with animation and movement at its heart. Highlights include a 13m walk-through Christmas tree on Grainger Street and a ceiling of light on Grey Street, where twinkling LED coverage was doubled. Every 2D and 3D motif can be swapped year on year, so the Council can refresh the display throughout the contract.
Sustainable Christmas decorations made from recycled bottles
The decorations are made from Blachere’s eco-friendly material made from recycled plastic bottles. Across the scheme, the motifs use 14,020 recycled bottles. RecyPrint uses 80% less aluminium than traditional motifs, and gold-tinted finishes keep the decorations attractive in daylight rather than looking industrial.
Managed delivery from design to removal
Blachere managed the project through a tailored communication plan, critical path analysis, agreed KPIs and regular progress meetings. Senior management provided a 24/7 response to any faults during the installation period.
The Results: A Unified Festive Identity for Newcastle
The scheme gives Newcastle a unified festive identity, with a consistent star theme connecting the Quayside, the main shopping streets and the Civic Centre. The Grainger Street walk-through tree and the Grey Street ceiling of light create strong focal points that encourage visitors to stay longer and share photos. Because the motifs can be swapped, the display stays fresh for returning visitors each year.
